yesterday I went to petco and noticed a beta fish so pretty that I decided to buy him. I just became a preschool teacher so I gave myself the excuse that I can bring him into class one day and teach the kids about fish. I bought one of the standard 1/2 gallon tanks that they always sell next to the betas at petco, a couple tablespoons of gravel and a tiny statue of buddha and I brought him home. I knew nothing about betas except that they live in tiny tanks and that they're really beautiful fish. When I got home I felt guilty watching the little guy try to swim around the tiny tank, but I thought thats just how you keep a beta. I was so excited about my new fish that I stayed up late into the night googling beta fish and looking up different websites about them. That's how I found this site, and confirmed what my gut told me when I first brought him home, that he would be much happier in a roomier tank. Today I went back to petco and returned the 1/2 gallon tank and came home with a 2 1/2 gallon tank, complete with gravel, plants, a cave, heater, light and filter. When I told the cashier that it was for a beta he laughed. I guess they're used to people only ever putting their betas in the tiny bowls. Anyway, me and my new little buddy thank you all for this great site and all the information in the forums! I've already learned so much about how to keep the little guy happy :)

He's beautiful. :) It is very sad how pet stores market bettas as disposable things that don't deserve proper treatment--it's good to hear when someone comes to the realization that logic should prevail over marketing strategies. Have you gotten your boy a heater yet, or is it hiding in your tank already? If you haven't, you should look into one like this one: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...8&pcatid=11368